#inpif

[artificialqueens]

It's Not Personal, It's Fiction (Chap.3) (Biadore) - shadyqueenie

A/N: Hi cuties! I’m so sorry this took me a bit more but work’s a bitch and I still have to go to Uni so… I write mostly before sleeping :(

I have to say I was a bit… embarrassed, while I was writing this chapter? It has been ages since the last time I had a proper hookup… How do people flirt nowadays? (Let me know, really. I’m desperate) Thank you to all the cutiepies that wrote to me and supported me! Kisses! Your duh, shady

In this episode (?) ~ “My mother is from Cuba and my dad is from Honduras which basically means I have a large dick – no credit –  and a tendency to take things that don’t belong to me” she quoted perfectly. Bianca’s loud laugh echoed all over the pink room “You got impressed, didn’t you?”

IT’S NOT PERSONAL, IT’S FICTION

Danny started to feel the stress of the race. Well, to be fair his stress’ cause had a name: Laganja. One of his best friends suddenly turned out to be one of his bitter enemy. One day they were escaping from the hotel security and the next one they barely spoke to each other. Not that Danny cared about hearing that annoying ‘okurrrr’ two hundred times a day – but Jay didn’t want to listen to him, and her attitude became annoying. Adore couldn’t take much more of that and made it pretty clear during the eighth episode’s airing.  In the lounge Laganja was crying and screaming something like “I wanna go home”, and “I don’t care anymore!”, and when she exited the room theatrically Adore made no effort at reaching her friend. She kept her glance low while Laganja’s voice was well audible from across the backstage.

When Laganja got eliminated Adore breathed a sigh of relief. It was mean, she knew that, but Adore couldn’t help but feel comforted. The way her long time friend changed was really painful. But the whole situation made her reflect – did she change too? “Hey, are you ok?” Adore came back to realty when she heard Bianca calling her. Adore didn’t realized she sit still for more than fifteen minutes in the laboratory after the airing. She had to de-drag, and she had to do it quickly. “Yeah” she grabbed her make up bag and sit in front of the mirror next to Bianca. “Do you want to talk about the Untucked?” the older tried again “Not now” act cool, Adore thought, starting to whipping his make up off. They were the only two in the laboratory – why has she always to be the slowest?! “Which means you’ll coming to bust my balls afterwards?” Adore smiled while turned her seat towards Bianca “Was that true?”, she needed to change the subject – or she could have burst into tears. Bianca didn’t bother to stop removing her make up “What?” “My mother is from Cuba and my dad is from Honduras which basically means I have a large dick – no credit –  and a tendency to take things that don’t belong to me” she quoted perfectly. Bianca’s loud laugh echoed all over the pink room “You got impressed, didn’t you?” Adore just smiled nervously “let’s call it curiosity” tried to setting the tone by putting her make up remover back in the bag. “Well, I’m afraid but the only way to find it out is by seeing it with your own eyes” Bianca stole a glance at her friend before frowning. She suddenly cupped Adore’s chin with a hand and looked at her lips “Why are you always so sloppy?!” Bianca asked by wiping off the lipstick from her friend’s face. Her motion was slow and gentle, and Adore couldn’t help but stare at her dazed. “Emh… Cameras are off” was the only thing that Danny managed to say before turning bright red “Too bad for them” sighed Roy standing up “they missed a one of a kind”

After dinner, Danny started finally to relax when someone knocked at his door. Roy? He was extremely disappointed finding out it was only the producer, the one that proposed the fake flirt. “Hi Danny, are you busy? Can I bother you for a minute?” she waited for Danny shaking his head before continues “There’s a cab in front of the hotel. We need you to come back to the studios now.” “What?!” he opened his eyes wide. The last time he was called at the studios was when Roy and him started faking a flirt. Maybe they wanted it to be a threesome – Courtney? “Laganja wanted to clarify the situation. Can you please come back there? It won’t take too long” the producer’s tone was soft. She knew she was asking Danny too much, but they were tight on time – and she was sure one of them was going to cry in front of the cameras. Hopefully both of them. “It’s going to be pointless” he stared, crossing his arms “I don’t really want to waist my time like that…”. Danny didn’t mean to sound harsh, but the way Jay acted during all the season was incomprehensible to him. Talking to him at that moment seemed the worst idea ever – he was mad at Jay (but mostly, at Laganja), and that attitude of him wasn’t the right one he should have kept for a reconciliation. “But Jay’s your friend, right?” she tried to sounding him out “He’s not coming back to the hotel tonight… Is this the way you want to break up with him?” Danny sighed – why was he so weak?

As Danny forecasted, it borne no fruit. They just cried and said nothing. At least when the cameras were on. And the whole story left Danny emotionally drained. He couldn’t wait to come back to the hotel and drink everything he could find inside the mini fridge (which, to his credit, he has already left it empty once). “Ok guys, stop” said a cameraman “We’re not going to push you harder. You can go now.” and suddenly all the camera lights were off.  As Danny heard those words he stood up ad rushed towards the door. Jay’s face was red at anger for that behavior – he wouldn’t let Danny get away that way. “I got you.” Said Jay before his former friend could leave the room “I don’t know what happened. But at some point you started thinking that me and Gia were not worth your friendship anymore. I got it – being friend with Bianca Del Rio sounds more appealing. But a day or another you’ll have to come back to LA – and we both know she lives in New York.” Danny stopped as he heard his friend’s name. Eventually Jay has shown his true colors “Is that a threat?” “No, not at all.” He replied, making one of those faces Danny started hating since the first days of airing “Instead, a reminder. But if you’re sure that your friendship is magical then… I’m happy for you! I hate to admit it, but she’s really likely to win… it seems that you bet on the winning horse” Danny exited the room slamming the door. How dare him? Yes, Roy was his friend. And he was happy for that. Even if their friendship started in an unconventional way, he felt that what they had was pretty sincere. After that little debacle during episode sixth’s airing they have spent a lot of time together. He felt like Roy was different compared to all his other friends – he was calm, wise and balanced. Something that Danny (and Adore) wasn’t. Being friend with someone like him was unexpected him –  he loved how sometimes Roy was too harsh and yet he let Danny rest against his shoulder –  but at that point Danny was almost depending on. Danny felt like he didn’t need anyone’s approval but Roy’s – and that crept the hell out of him because, as Jay reminded him, at the end of the show they’ll have to take different paths.

Roy woke up as he heard someone knocking at this door. Looking at the alarm clock he realized it was 4a.m. Who the hell…? Danny. Dumb answer for a dumb question. He turned on the table lamp and went to the door, rubbing his eyes. As always, he was right “Danny, what the…” Roy suddenly stopped himself. As soon as he opened the door Danny lowered his glance, but even if the light was faint Roy could tell his eyes were swollen and red. He must have cried really a lot. “Look, I really want to go to a place and I want to go there with you… Can you please, please follow me? Without grumbling and stuff, ok?” he asked in a whisper, too tired to spoke properly. Roy wanted to tell him that he wasn’t his babysitter, that he was tired too. But then he remembered he saw Danny crying in the bus, and that he had a fight with one of his closest friend. Something should have happened after they said goodnight – something that hurt Danny really bad and that was his way to relieve his pain. He acted just as his age demanded – and Roy couldn’t blame him. “Ok, just let me wear…something” he chuckled, as he was wearing just a t-shirt and a pair of boxers. “Bring a sweater” was the only thing Danny said, but Roy could tell he was smiling. At least a bit.

“Wow, this like the ugliest terrace I’ve ever seen” noticed Roy. Empty and big wooden planter boxes and carpenter’s equipment were scattered all over the place. When Roy realized Danny and him were not going outside the hotel has he feared, but at the top of it, he imagined something fancier. Instead, there wasn’t a plant, nor fancy led lights or anything like that – it was at the limit of depression. Not even the crack of the dawn could have saved the setting “Why did you wanted to go there?” “Do you remember the last time we saw the city from a different prospective than the one we have from the bus?” asked Danny, proceeding to the balustrade. He looked at the lights of the skyline in front of him as if it was the first time. “The day before the race started..?” replied Roy has it was the most obvious thing in the world “Why do you always have to ask dumb questions?!” “You are the dumb! I was trying to be metaphorical or some shits like that” he stamped his feet as if he was angry, but he couldn’t hide the smile that appeared in his face as he heard Roy’s reply “You know,” he stared again “I saw Laganja” “Where?” “The producer sent me a car after dinner and they brought me at the studios. They filmed another drama between young queens” he tried to let it be of little significance, but the way he clenched his fist betrayed him “Fuck, I cried like a baby in front of the cameras– like, really a lot.” “They are pushing really hard, you should have known it “ “I do. But Ganj was one of my dearest friends and I cannot believe our friendship is ruined because of… this” said stretching his arms out   “He’s a dumb if he ruins your friendship because of this, and you’re smart enough to realize it” Danny nodded, his glance was still lost. He felt like he was about to cry again – maybe because of the cold breeze that pierced his face. “So, tell me. what was the point of this metaphor with the skyline?” Roy tried his best to cheer him up – but being supportive was not one of his best qualities. At least not when someone’s crying. Danny shook his head. He made a terrible mistake by talking about something he didn’t really want to remind himself “I’ve already forgot it. Maybe I wanted to talk about Jay. I was just trying to start a conversation without sounding pathetic” “Well I’m really sorry to disappoint you – but that was one of the most sugary things I’ve ever heard” “Ahhh, fuck!” Danny buried his face in his hands as he laughed nervously. He waited few seconds, then breathed “I mean. It felt like ages since we started this show. But it’s not. And I remember I met Ganj a week before everything started and she wasn’t the one you met in this race, I swear” he stepped closer to Roy and rested his elbow on the balustrade “How can something that lasts so short change us so much?” The older breathed deeply “This race feels like living in a bubble, don’t you think? We are here, and eventually we bound together. But we actually don’t know how we usually behave in our everyday life. I don’t know what you have done before entering the race, and you don’t know nothing about me. As far as I know, you can be a totally different person, and I wouldn’t mind – because in a certain way is reasonable.” Roy spoke slowly, eking every single word out “What I mean is that maybe someone’s trying to impress the cameras and not the other contestants – which is good. We’re not here to make friends. I don’t think I’ll keep in touch with most of the queens here – and it’s a common thought among all of us. After all, who wants to befriend with some of them?!” he tried to sound funny, but as he looked Danny’s worried face he didn’t feel like he had to add something else. On the other hand, in Danny’s mind Jay’s words recalled. Was Roy going to ditch him as soon as the race would end? Was he a completely different person in his everyday life? He cared about Roy, but after his monologue they didn’t seem to be on the same page. “You didn’t want to hear something like that, did you?” the older’s voice brought him back to reality. “Nah, not really” Danny made an unconvincingly smirk “Are you going to ditch me after the show?”  he asked uncertain. Roy laughed so hard Danny was scared someone might found them “That’s what bothers you?” “Kind of..?” “Ok, hear me out.I won’t ditch you. Pinky promise.” he took his hands’ in Danny’s and looked at him right in the eyes, but the youngest was so embarrassed for being such a drama queen that couldn’t look at him “Danny,” Roy tried again “I meant it. We will keep in touch and you’ll find out that I’m the same bitter, old lady you came to know here. What can I say to make you feel better?” Danny shrugged. He couldn’t tell Roy was sincere or not – he could just trust him. The only thing he knew at that time was that he needed to lighten the situation. Sighing, he was ready to break the promise he made to himself before entering the race “In a moment we will feel better” a sly smile peaked in Danny’s face as he put his hand in his jacket’s right pocket, and then he let out two joints. “What..? I go back on what I said – you’re not smart at all. First the club night, then this… Do you want to get banned?” this time, Roy really meant to sound too apprehensive. He wasn’t the kind of person who smoked regularly. Especially weed. He has never wanted to be labeled as ‘killjoy’, but he couldn’t find amusement in getting drunk and throwing up minutes before, or being so stoned he wouldn’t remember anything the day after. And he couldn’t lie to himself. The ‘I’m too old for this shit’ line (more like a mantra) wasn’t working with that, as he has never found amusement in those kind of entertainments – not even in his twenties. “No one comes here… Come on, old man!” Danny winked as he lighted one of the joints.

“Look, it’s almost morning” Roy wanted to reply, and he really tried his best, but he ended up coughing. Smoking didn’t fit his skills “Oh God, tomorrow I’ll look like a zombie. Or is it already today?” after throwing the joint butt away he covered his head with the arms. Danny smiled. Giving to Roy one of his joints was one of the best ideas he has ever had in days. Roy spent and hour giggling and talking nonsense, he was like a teenager with his first beer. That new version of Roy definitely knew how to make Danny feel better “Don’t worry, people expect elderly having bags under their eyes… Or in your case red eyes! What the fuck Roy, how can they be so red?!” “Oh well, thank you! Very kind of you!” They burst into laugh, and it was all the joints’ fault, but they couldn’t stop laughing. Danny rested his head in Roy’s shoulder, his laugh getting lighter. Weed had a strange effect on both of them – but while Danny was used to it, Roy felt as if the ground around him was shaking.   Taking deep breaths, he felt the urge to comfort (or at least trying to comfort) Danny again. Living this adventure with this young boy made him realize how much he liked being a reference point. Not for everyone, of course. He didn’t care about everyone as he cared about Danny. When he looked at him he felt the urge of protecting him, as if he was too fragile. And maybe, he really was. “I think I’ll say it only once, so listen well. I’m glad I didn’t give up with the story of the fake relationship. You’re pretty mature for your age, and you are smart. Don’t let people tell you otherwise. Especially the Laganja types. Ok?” he placed his arm around the younger’s shoulders and squeezed in sympathy, trying to catch his glance to make sure he understood what he has just said. As Roy touched him, a shiver ran down Danny’s back. He had only a few seconds to look at him before his mind went blank and decided to kiss him. It was irresponsible and Danny knew it by the moment their lips touched, but he felt broken and he was sure that his friend’s arms were the safest place in the world. His mind was wandering when he felt Roy’s hand in his shoulders, pushing Danny slightly away. In a handful of seconds he had to come up with a convincing explanation “Oh fuck, I’m so sorry” “Listen, Danny…” Roy tried to say something, but he didn’t really know how to continue. It was a strange feeling for him – he has always had the ready answer, but not in that occasion. Luckily, Danny came forward. “No wait, wait” he put a finger in his lips to shush him “You said that before. The ‘we live in a bubble’ thing. And I’m really sorry. If we were in a random club, I would have never kissed you. Not that I would have never wanted to kiss you but not in that situation and… can you understand me?” As Roy nodded, Danny continued “The point is that in the first episodes I really felt alone. It was a felling I was not used to. But then we started this thing and I’m really, really grateful – because from that moment on I knew I had you. And I don’t want to ruin everything just because you have the softest lips I’ve ever tasted and… Can I kiss them again?” What the fuck Daniel, his mind screamed. It was all the joint’s fault. Sober Roy wouldn’t allow it he thought to himself. But then he saw Danny biting his lower lip and, thank God, he wasn’t lucid “Will this become a habit?” “Probably” “And are you sure you understood the bubble story?” Danny nodded. “If it has to happen again not in front o f the cameras, nor in public places or in front of the other queens. Understood?” Danny nodded again, vehemently. “Then yes, you can.” “Like now?” Roy smiled while lifting his eyes and whispered a single “Yes”

[artificialqueens]

It's not personal, it's fiction (Biadore) - shadyqueenie

A/N: well I… didn’t expect that! Thank you so much for all the likes in my previous fic! You made me really happy (:

So, I kept on writing – actually I had this idea from the sidebar’s quote ( you noticed it, didn’t you? ;)))) ). I’m not sure whether keeping it as a one-shot or not, but please in any case correct my grammar mistakes! (I have a tumblr..? Sort of..? In which you can write me ( @shadyqueenie , duh) and tell me how poor my grammar is – that will help me and at the same time give you less stress! Even!)

“Can you… like flirt a bit? In a natural way” the producer mumbled while looking at the two queens “ok, listen” she continued after a deep breath “The Untucked’s first episode argument was really, really shady my queens. But in a very interesting way – and we thought that maybe fans might like it. A bit of sexual tension, I mean. You know, you don’t have to kiss or hold hands. Just…” the producer seemed more embarrassed than Roy and Danny “you just have to pretend that Adore likes Bianca and Bianca likes Adore. That’s all.”

IT’S NOT PERSONAL, IT’S FICTION “Can you… like flirt a bit? In a natural way” the producer mumbled while looking at the two queens “ok, listen” she continued after a deep breath “ The Untucked’s first episode argument was really, really shady my queens. But in a very interesting way – and we thought that maybe fans might like it. A bit of sexual tension, I mean. You know, you don’t have to kiss or hold hands. Just…” the producer seemed more embarrassed than Roy and Danny “you just have to pretend that Adore likes Bianca and Bianca likes Adore. That’s all.” “That’s all?!” Eventually screamed Roy “Don’t take it personal Danny – well no, you can take it personal– but I’m here to win, not to flirt with a kid” “I’m 23, by the way” whispered Danny while crossing his arms. “Yeah, you’re a big boy but that’s not the point.” When Danny and Roy realized they were the only ones called at the producer’s office they looked at each other uncertain. What have they done? After airing the fifth episode, they were stopped by the producer, who asked them to join her in her office in an hour. “I swear if it’s for what I said about Laganja I will bite the producer too” said harshly Roy to himself before knocking the door. And then things got worse, and stranger. “We like the way Bianca and Adore interact” – that was pick-up line. The fact that sometimes (and the producer said ‘sometimes’ twice while looking at Roy) Bianca has this motherly attitude towards Adore – “like today with the corset story” added – and that Adore looks so naïve when Bianca speaks. “I understand that this seems a bit strange, but something like this can spice things up. I’m not going to push you. It was just an idea. We won’t penalize you” “Do you mean that we will go straight to the final if-“ Danny couldn’t finish his sentence because Roy stopped him “I don’t want to win because people think I’m fucking a teenager” “Fuck you Roy, I’m 23!” Shouted exhausted Danny. The producer lifted her eyes up – working with queens was a non-stop drama “Please, calm down. It won’t change anything. You can agree with our idea or not, Ru won’t judge you for this – in fact, he doesn’t even know it” “He doesn’t?” The producer shook her head “Just think about it. And if you accept you… just have to start!” He clapped her hand as the discussion was over “You can go to the hotel now”

“Insane.” That was the only thing that Roy said in the way back to the hotel. As they reached the hall he was walking three steps ahead Danny, and didn’t looked at him even once since they left the producer’s office. Danny had already came to terms with that absurd situation. It couldn’t be that bad, and it was just for a short period of time. He flirted a lot back in LA at the clubs. Well, he flirted with guys younger that Roy. He was scared by Bianca (and Roy’s too) attitude, but at the same time he was sure that Roy (like Bianca) was kind – in a sort of unique way. And he was kind of good looking too, for being… how old was Roy? Well, he was older than him. “You know Bianca, I’m pretty good at flirting. In the end you might even enjoying it.” “No” Duh, that was a joke thought Danny “I might like touch you and it will seem unintentional but it will be really really intentional and then blink” he insisted. “No” Roy tried to ignore Danny as hard as he can, but the younger queen speeded up his steps and reached him. “And you might say something cute like ‘nice dress!’ And I could smile” “But you don’t have nice dresses” “And I could casually sit next to you before the shemails and smile at whatever you’re saying” “You already do this” Roy didn’t mean to sound harsh ( or did he?), but the whole thing disappointed him. “And you could be really happy when I’ll win my first week challenge! Like clapping your hands and smiling and whispering ‘I’m so proud’ in a way we can read your labial” when will he give up?! “You? A winner? That’s a thing that will never happen” Roy hinted a smile while searching in his pocket for his key card. Trying to convince him was going to be so hard. Danny stopped walking “Bianca” breathed tired “I was serious when I said that we are two strong personalities and that I didn’t want to work with you. But I’m here, and I really want to make this competition memorable. I want to be a famous singer and this could be my chance. And if I have to smile at you and blush and stuff like that then I’ll do it. Even if I have to work with you.” Roy sighed. He was too old for that shit. When he applied for Drag Race he thought it was just a competition, ‘sew-sing-dance-play’ and nothing more. Everything was really realistic, with all those ‘shades-cries-breakouts’… And then he found out that not everything was crystalline. Some of the most previous seasons’ memorable moments were planned? Roy asked himself, but he didn’t really care that much. It was only a competition. Moreover, Danny was right – that could be his chance too. He wanted to travel, find a new reason for dragging – or just understand that he was done. Also, if he kept throwing shades at the other queens people would end up disliking her. Not that he really cared, but maybe he needed to let people see that Bianca can be human too “Alright chola” he quoted “But don’t expect me to hug you. Ever.”said sighing. Danny smiled, relieved “So… that’s a deal?” He asked when they reached the elevators. “Yes, deal. But I’d rather not to tell anyone about this” The younger nodded “No one would believe me anyway. Can you imagine? ‘Hey, you know who has an interest on me? Bianca Del Rio!’” That made Roy laugh really loud and give the chance for Danny to continue “Why don’t we have a drink? After all, they’re already paid by the production” he proposed blinking “it’s 10p.m., no one goes to bed so early!” Roy sighed. He didn’t want to rain on Danny’s parade, but he was tired. Maybe I am really old, he thought while looking at him. “Please” continued Danny as he saw Roy hesitate “ I’d really like to come to know the man behind Bianca” he joked.

In the end, Danny won. They stopped at the hotel’s bar since none of the other contestants were there. Danny was talking non-stop about his life and why he started dragging, his experience at American Idol and how that opportunity changed his life. It was more like a confession, Roy thought. On the other hand, Roy spoke about the Hurricane and his life in New York. Danny seemed really interested, trying to hold the conversation on and ordering a drink after one other. It was like they were long time friends. Danny suddenly felt more confident and smiled. It will be fun, he repeated himself “It’s a bit unreal, isn’t it?” “Yes Danny, it is. But it’s stupidly unreal. We just have to pretend. A bit. It can’t be that bad. Unless you won’t start acting like a drama queen.” “I will punch everyone that even dares looking at you” joked Danny, lowering his glance. It was late night when they decided to call the day off, and headed back to their rooms.

“You know what? I will finally be free from Bianca’s evilness. Nothing can hurt me anymore in this race.” “You have already hurt yourself too much by not clinching your waist for years.” They stopped in front of Roy’s room, the nearest from the elevator, “Bianca, you will have to stop being mean to me” pointed Danny. He felt braver since their talk. Another conversation in front of a drink and he might even find the courage to hug Roy. “Yeah, I suppose I’ll even have to take care of you” the other one breathed falsely disappointed. “Like a mommy?” “No” “A daddy! Can I call you daddy?” “No” “But you look like one” Danny he moved quickly and stepped between Roy and the door “maybe I will call you daddy in private..?” “Don’t push it, Danny” smiled the older queen “Goodnight” Danny stepped back “Goodnight” he smiled, before heading towards his room.

[artificialqueens]

It's not personal, it's fiction (2) (Biadore) - shadyqueenie

A/N: awwww baes, I’m sorry this took so long – but this chap is twice the first one and I really had struggles with some sentences :(((( also, I’m not that happy of how it came out but I needed to write it that way since I have plans for the next one ;)))

I don’t know when I will be able to update again – I hope it will be at the end of the month but ehy, it’s the MFW and guess who’s working as hell?! Btw, I really love you (: thank you for your support, I wasn’t expecting it! As I always say, please keep on writing me! Your duh, shady

In this episode (?) ~

“Do you want to come out?” He started off suddenly, nervous as hell. […] “Out?” “Outside! We need to celebrate my win!” “You know it’s forbidden… do you?”

IT’S NOT PERSONAL, IT’S FICTION

The first day of airing after their deal went as smoothly as honey. At least for Danny. For Roy it was pure hell. He felt nervous and quick-tempered – as if he was about to bite someone. Then there was the elimination day. That night he couldn’t sleep well. He wasn’t worried about the race – he was worried about him being around Adore. But he made a deal and he had to honor it. “What are you going to wear?” Asked Bianca to Adore while they were doing their make up. To be honest, she already saw it putted onto the clothes hanger – and she really hoped that wasn’t the real Adore’s choice. “The black one” replied the other one pointing it. …And here we are. “Are you sure? Do you remember what Michelle told you?” “Yeah but you will help me by cinching me and no one would look at anything else” Adore blinked at Bianca in a very flirting way “Will you?” Bianca sighed “Just hurry up and finish this bitch smoking eye you’re doing”. She forced a smile while trying to put a pair of false lashes in her eyes, but ended up so nervous she messed all up. “Fuck” Bianca breathed. Why couldn’t she act as natural as Adore? Courtney was sit next to them. She watched the whole scene without saying anything. It was strange for her seeing Bianca not throwing any shades at Adore. Ok, Bianca was always helpful, but that was strange – even for her. Courtney didn’t even realize Adore has finished her make-up and that Bianca had already cinched her until she heard clearly from Adore’s wardrobe “Do I have a hot body now?” And Bianca’s reply “Yeah sure, the hottest one”. Yeah, sure?! What was that? A sarcastic line that didn’t came out well? A sincere compliment? Courtney couldn’t tell – the only thing she was sure was that wasn’t so Bianca-alike. I’m super late and that’s because all this flirty bullshits she thought blending her cheekbones faster than she has never done before.

“Adore Delano, you’re the winner of this week challenge” As Bianca heard this words she clapped her hands, as etiquette required. Adore really made her laugh when she said that her dress was made for the judges to see through her body. She envied that attitude of hers, with those adorable (yes, adorable) jokes and flirty glances. Did she had to whisper ‘I’m so proud’ as Adore suggested days before? That could have been too much, and Bianca was a bit disappointed. She wanted to win, of course. I’m here to win, that’s what was in her mind as she looked at Adore smiling. Adore glanced back at her. She waited for Bianca to say ‘I’m so proud’ but nothing happened, and while reaching the backstage her smile died. The older queen seemed stressed all the day long, but while Bianca walked the runaway she still looked beautiful and flawless as she has always done. Adore needed to plan something in order to understand what was wrong – she hoped it wasn’t for their deal, and she had to know it before the next airing session.

Jay give him the perfect occasion. In the bus for their way back to the hotel he approached Danny and whispered “We have to celebrate, and I exactly know how” “Ganj please, I told you I don’t want to get stoned during the race” Danny didn’t even look at his friend. He was sure Jay was going to offer him some ‘fantastic weed a friend of a friend grows in his wardrobe’. “Girl, I was talking about going out tonight!” Even if he tried so hard to keep his voice volume low, he couldn’t really make it “I know how to escape from this prison” “Woah?! Really?!” As Danny heard ‘going out’ he suddenly felt excited. Twenty days closed in that hotel and now the only thing he really wanted was going out – without being eliminated from the challenge, of course. “Yes, please say we will. My room is the one next to Derienne’s and I swear if I heard her or any of those airheads laugh again I will put a gun in my head and pull the trigger” Jay took his hands in Dannys’, looking at him with puppy eyes. “Party!” Was the only thing Danny said, and Jay knew that was one of the 100 ways of Danny for saying yes, so he came back to his seat and giggled “at 10p.m. in front of the elevator, ok?” Danny nodded as he kept staring at the window – he caught Roy’s reflection and sighed. He wanted to invite him so bad. Something that meant “we’re not just two people that play together – we can be friends too, and friends go together in a club”. Hell, that’s exactly what he was going to tell him.

Hours later, Roy opened his door as someone knocked it. He was expecting it to be Benjamin – they had to join Shane and Greg for a drink. He was really surprised to see Danny instead. “Do you want to come out?” He started off suddenly, nervous as hell. During dinner Roy wouldn’t even gave him a second look, so all the discourse he prepared in the bus was a bunch of bullshits at that moment. “Out?” “Outside! We need to celebrate my win!” “You know it’s forbidden… do you?” “Yes I do. But being closed here is boring! So, so, so boring! Jay flirted with a concierge and he said he will let us use the back door. There’s a club, it’s not that far away and let’s be honest – none of the episode are already broadcasted, no one would recognize us out of drag” Danny put on the hood of his worn out hoodie. He tried to look funny and managed to get a smile out of him, but nothing happened. “Jay? Laganja? The one that makes you cry and furious?” Asked Roy ignoring most of the words Danny said. “When we’re not in the studios she’s still the same old chola I met years ago. Come on, Roy! We can have a drink and dance together” Danny tried to pull him closer, but Roy pushed him away as he shook his head. “I don’t get you. And no, I’m not coming. Shane invited me and others to have a drink at the hotel’s bar” Roy saw Danny’s smile disappearing from his face as he spoke “I thought you knew it.” The younger had nothing to reply. Of course the awesome Shane didn’t tell him anything. He has been speaking only with the older queens, the ones that were thought to be potential winners. Roy looked at the clock in the wall. In a moment Ben would be out of his room, which happened to be the one in front of Roy’s. He didn’t want him to see Danny in front of his room. Eventually, Danny spoke – and tried to be as natural as he could “No I didn’t, but… Hey! The hotel bar? I thought that was our place!” “And I thought you didn’t need to bitching in some unknown club” answered back Roy impatient. “You are jealous? If you ask, I’m not going to dance with anyone” Danny blinked “No, I’m just concerned” he crossed his arm. Please, please, please go. Danny sighed – how many time did Roy made him sigh that day?! “I will knock your door when I’ll come back” that was his last try. This was his night, he won the challenge and has every right to be treated as a queen. He wanted to celebrate and wanted Roy to be part of this moment of absolute joy – but he couldn’t force him. Not so much, at least. “Don’t bother” Roy didn’t wait for any replay, but closed his door as soon as he finished the sentence.

Later, Roy reached Shane, Greg and Ben. They talked about a lot oh things while drinking, but Roy was (as Shane noticed) extremely quiet. Too much for being him. Actually, Roy was thinking about how harsh he was with Danny. He didn’t deserve it. He was trying really hard to being friends with Roy – but he couldn’t help. He needed to stay focus on the race and nothing more. Especially, he didn’t want to give to the others something to gossip about. During the night he kept his profile low, laughing when needed and agreeing with everything has been said. Shane noticed it. Not that he was stalking Roy, but that attitude he kept having since yesterday seemed really strange. “Roy, are you fine? You didn’t say anything” eventually, Shane tried to do something. Maybe it wasn’t the right time, but he wanted to make sure that it wasn’t something serious. “Maybe he’s still burning about Adore’s victory” Greg suggested. “Guys, can you believe it?” Roy opened his mouth in a very fake shocked way “She basically won because I’m too kind for this race and cinched her!”. The others queen laughed. They kept on talking about the episode they just aired and, as Roy imagined, he found out that Greg was pretty a blabbermouth person. He had shades for every queen, and Roy shuddered at the thought of what he could have said about him. At 1a.m., the bartender asked politely the queens to leave “We are closing” he apologized before cleaning the tables.

“So sorry the night’s over…” said Ben in a whisper as they arrived in front of the elevator.   “Maybe not…” Shane answered back with a vicious smile, revealing he had a bottle of champagne hidden under his sweatshirt. “You Aussie bitch! Were did you took it?” “The bartender didn’t saw me so…” his laugh made the others doing the same. Roy felt a bit relieved. Those old chicks really helped him being a bit more cheerful and God, he really needed it. “Ok ladies, let’s go to my room” Roy proposed. It was kind of selfish of him, but he was sure that Danny would shown up at the end of his night of celebrations – and he didn’t want to be alone with him “and toast to these Aussies that stole our alcohol…” “…And the crown” Shane added, skipping in the hallway.

As soon as Greg and Ben decided it was time to go back to their rooms and exited Roy’s, Shane seized the opportunity “Ok, now you can tell me.” “Tell you what?” Roy looked at Shane puzzled. He noticed that during the evening Shane was suspicious towards him – as if he had done something strange. “What was today’s scene?” Ah, that’s the reason. “I thought that was the right thing to do, that’s all. I don’t really think of Adore as a competitor – I’m not scared of her, that’s why I cinched her” “You’re not scared by anyone” she sighed “But we both know I’m not talking about that scene. ‘Do I have a hot body now’?!” Shane tried to imitated Adore and Roy laughed, having to admit he was pretty good at it. But still, he had to play naïve “Shane, sorry, I still don’t get it.” “Well, I think we’re kind of…friends? So I can tell you.” The blonde set his glass down and looked at Roy right in the eyes “After episode five, I felt something different. Are you and Adore… a thing?” “What?!” Court shrugged “It was just a sensation” Roy was nervous. Bianca was a comedy queen, acting was something she should be used to. He thought that – to a certain extent – he should have gained enough self-confidence with Bianca’s help. In his out of drag life yes, he was sarcastic and harsh and all those kind of things – but at that moment he felt weak, extremely weak “You realized you’re basically asking me if I’m having an affair with Danny?” “Yes” “And not someone, but Danny. Who is fourteen years younger than me?” “He’s kind of hot for being in his early twenties…” “Bullshits” Roy was almost gasping. He felt nervous and attacked, and Shane could tell it. “Look Roy, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound judgmental or something like that. Let’s pretend I didn’t say anything, ok?” Roy collapse into his bed “Don’t.” He breathed deeply “As you said, at this point we’re kind of friends” and that was the moment he started telling him anything. About the meeting with the producer, the deal and so on. He was the one who told Danny not to tell anyone and now he was spit it out – after four days. Good job Roy, he thought drinking what was left on his glass. “The thing is,” he said eventually “I’m not the type of person who does those kind of things. That’s not me” Shane was wide mouthed. He was sure there was something between them… but a contract? That was insane “Then why did you accepted in first place?” curiosity captured him – he wanted to know everything. A part of him was almost jealous: there was obviously something between them that enchanted the producers. He wondered how it felt, having such a strong connection with someone without even knowing it. “I… I don’t know. Danny was talking about opportunities and so on…” And then Shane did something Roy wasn’t expecting at all. He laughed, he laughed so hard he cried “Bianca Del Rio fucked up by a teenager” he dried a tear “Roy” he became suddenly serious “No one pushes you. No one pushed you. If you don’t want to do that, then stop. I’m sure Danny will understand.” Roy was about to reply, but got interrupted by a knock on his door.

Danny and Jay didn’t drink that much. Just few drinks, offered by some random guys. But Danny couldn’t enjoy the night as he hoped for. His mind was elsewhere – did he offended Roy in any way? Nah. He advised Roy he was going to be flirty as hell, he should have expected it. Maybe he didn’t like him at all? Not even by chance? That could be the first time someone rejects his attentions and, for the record, it hurts pretty much. Danny excused himself from a guy he’s been dancing around all night. He was cute, tall and his skin was milky – but in the end he couldn’t care less about him. He should have stayed in the hotel, forcing Roy to talk and then trying to spend some time with him. That was what he was supposed to do – staying with someone with whom Danny shared an important part of this journey. That fucking granpa ruined everything. “I want to go home” said Danny as he found Jay again in the crowd. He realized it was almost 2a.m. and he wanted to see if Roy was still awake and ready to talk. “Why?” Asked Jay, back from the bar with a tray of shots “the bartender gives us this!” “You know, I’m tired and all this stuff… Can we please go home?” Asked Danny again. Jay knew that if he would have said no, Danny would still have going home – even without him “Let’s drink one or two of this shots and then we’ll come back home, ok girl?”

What were those shots made from? Danny couldn’t tell, the only thing he knew was that they were strong enough and suddenly he wasn’t sober anymore. He still wanted to see Roy, but he wasn’t sure it was going to be a good idea. Hell, he wasn’t even sure how many of them did he drink.  He stayed silent all the way back to the hotel partly because they were hiding from the hotel staff, partly because his mind was wandering. “Ew, that’s the bitch’s room” said harshly Jay when the walked next to Roy’s room Fuck off, I’m doing it. Danny reversed his steps and reached for the door. “What are you doing?!” “I told him I’ll inform him!” “You what?” Asked Jay surprised, but Danny didn’t respond since he had already knocked the door. Was he sleeping? He couldn’t tell whether Roy was going to open or not. He smiled, thinking of him half asleep and with a hideous pajama. That’s why Danny was surprised to see Roy in the same clothes he was wearing in the evening, and not in night clothes, and most of all… he wasn’t alone?  Was that Shane?! “Oh, I thought you were alone” were the only words Danny was able to say. He saw Roy’s expression becoming from happy to nervous in a heartbeat. “I told you we were going to have a drink” “In the hotel’s bar, not in your room” Danny pointed. Jay opened his eyes wide. Why was Danny acting like that? Why was he worried for that grandpa? “Queens! No worries, I’m going to my room. Jay, you should too” Shane stepped in between Roy and Danny, smiling.

Roy and Danny stared at each other in silence until they heard Shane’s door being closed. Danny, leaning in the arch of the door, breathed and then finally spoke “I should be the one you are inviting to your room” and pointed the ‘I’ as if it was a matter of fact. “Danny. First of all, it’s just a drink – and you missed Ben and Greg for just a second. Second, I don’t need to give you any explanation” “But I…” “Also, you were the one that went to the club.” Roy knew he sounded too way fatherly, but he couldn’t help. That was his way to compensate his irritability “With Laganja, “added “and you smell like alcohol, how much did you drink?” “Not that much, I’m not drunk” Danny stamped his feet in temper. Duh, by acting this way you’re basically proving Roy’s right. “Go to sleep Danny” for once, Roy sounded caring. He had no point in fighting with someone who pretended not to be (a little) drunk. Danny looked at him, biting his lower lip “Why didn’t you asked me to join you and the others?” “I…” in a moment, Roy thought of what Shane told him minutes before – all that shits about being sincere sounded good “I’m so uncomfortable Danny. I know I should take it easy, but I don’t. ‘Cause I have to pretend and that’s not me. I’ve always been honest, brutally honest. And I thought I could resist, chatting with you and stuff, but I have never felt so under pressure before. And I can’t stand why it seems so easy for you.” “You know we can stop whenever we won’t, don’t you?” He waited for Roy to nod and then continued “maybe for me it’s really easier. Maybe because I’ve always admired you and you look so fascinating to me. So maybe I have a childish crush on you – that’s why I don’t mind being around Bianca as I did in those days” he paused, breathing “was it too much?  Fuck, I didn’t mean to confess you” Roy looked at him. Danny’s cheeks were a bit redder than before. It’s not his fault – I’m the stupid one. “One of the best confession someone has ever done to me” he said playfully “Thank you. Not for the confession, I mean” “If you want to stop now, just tell me. I won’t mind, really.” Danny has never looked so serious and mature before – that’s what Roy thought as he was looking him right in the eyes. “No, let’s give our fake relationship another shot” he decided suddenly “if all else fails, we would have found a friend in each other. And here, in this race, I really need a real friend.” “Are we friends?!” Danny wondered how much did he drink. “Yes, I’d really like to.” Danny looked over the other guy’s shoulder. In the wooden table there still was the champagne, half full “Why don’t we toast to this friendship by finishing the bottle?” He proposed “Why do you always propose me to drink?” “Because I want you to get drunk and then take advantage of the situation” he joked, and a smile peeked on his face “Just kidding” “Don’t make me regret it and enter” “Wait. Is it kind of a date?” Roy laughed, letting Danny enter in his room.   Immediately Danny jumped in his bed “hey, at least put your shoes off” said falsely pissed Roy, giving him a glass. Actually he didn’t want him to stay in his bed, but he couldn’t complain about everything. For that day he has been grumpy enough. “Join me” replied nonchalantly Danny, patting the space next to him in the bed. Roy obeyed “Danny” he started after minutes of silence “I’m really sorry, for being a grumpy all those days” “For a moment I thought it was the actual you. I got scared” The older one felt more relaxed. He hadn’t sleep well in those days, but since the biggest cause of his stress was gone, he was dead tired. “No I’m… an ordinary person, I suppose. Nothing noteworthy” “Don’t be humble, it doesn’t suit you” Danny placed his head on Roy’s shoulder “shall we watch tv? Late night programs are the trashiest” Roy smiled “Ok, but just thirty minutes. I really need to sleep”

Thirty minutes passed, but Danny didn’t really want to leave. He felt comfortable next to Roy – even staying like this. He wasn’t the type of person that enjoyed silence, but in that moment he didn’t need to add a single word to that situation. Was it too much asking Roy to stay? He has been silent since they started watching tv. “I’m going to sleep here” he tried. He was ready for a harsh replay, but it didn’t come. Roy was already asleep. Danny placed a blanket over them and closed his eyes.